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Toyin Abraham’s management has stepped in to clear the air following widespread debate over comments made by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan on box office earnings in Nollywood, stressing that his reference to earning ₦10 million from a ₦1 billion or ₦2 billion cinema gross was sarcastic and never aimed at the actress.
In a statement released on Monday, Abraham’s manager, Samuel Olatunji of The Hype Agency, revealed that the actress had been inundated with calls and messages requesting her reaction to Afolayan’s recent remarks about film profitability and promotion in the industry.
According to the statement, Abraham understood the central issue Afolayan was raising — the disparity between headline box office figures and what producers eventually take home after deductions. The management explained that the actress recognised his comments as part of a broader conversation about the economics of filmmaking in Nigeria.
However, it acknowledged that the tone and timing of Afolayan’s remarks, made publicly at a movie premiere, led some observers to interpret them as dismissive of the immense effort, financial risks, and sacrifices involved in building the Nigerian film industry, particularly by women filmmakers.
The statement disclosed that once the issue gained momentum online, Afolayan personally contacted Abraham to clarify his position.
“During that conversation, she shared her concerns, especially regarding how such comments could be misunderstood as downplaying the work of others,” the statement read. “Mr Afolayan explained the context and intent behind his remarks, and the matter was resolved maturely. Both parties have since moved forward.”
Abraham’s management also described as unfortunate the pressure from some quarters expecting her to publicly criticise Afolayan, noting that their long-standing professional relationship has never been hostile.
The statement further debunked online claims suggesting Abraham remained silent because she doubted the possibility of films genuinely grossing ₦1 billion at the box office.
“This claim is false,” the management stated. “She maintains close professional relationships with industry stakeholders responsible for box office data and has access to verified and credible figures. There is no reason for her to question legitimate numbers.”
It added that Abraham has never expressed resentment toward the success of any filmmaker. Instead, her consistent concern has been the issue of fair cinema scheduling, which plays a major role in determining how much revenue films generate.
While acknowledging the achievements of filmmakers who have recorded major box office milestones, the statement praised such feats as commendable, especially given the challenges facing the industry.
“These successes have been achieved despite rising production costs, limited cinema screens, revenue-sharing models, and multiple statutory deductions. Yet, Nollywood continues to grow and break new ground,” it said.
For clarity, the management emphasised that Afolayan’s mention of ₦10 million was never meant to be taken literally.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr Afolayan’s reference to ten million naira was clearly sarcastic. No producer earns ten million naira from a one billion naira or two billion naira box office gross,” the statement stressed.
The management encouraged industry stakeholders to use the moment to focus on addressing structural challenges within Nollywood and to explore more sustainable financial models, rather than fueling public disagreements.
The clarification follows weeks of social media debate sparked by Afolayan’s comments on the growing expectation for filmmakers to rely heavily on skits, social media dances, and constant online engagement to promote their films.
Speaking earlier on ARISE TV, Afolayan revealed that actress and producer Funke Akindele had called him to express displeasure over his remarks, accusing him of disliking her and asking him to stop mentioning her name. He later clarified that his comments were not directed at any individual but were part of a wider discussion on the sustainability of cinema releases.
“There’s no competition. I don’t want two billion in cinema, or even one billion, if I won’t make ten million from it,” Afolayan said, explaining that after exhibitor shares, taxes, distribution fees, and publicity costs, filmmakers often receive less than 30 per cent of box office earnings.
Afolayan confirmed that he had also spoken directly with Toyin Abraham, noting that she understood his point about profitability and the mounting pressures surrounding modern film promotion.
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